YouthFriends is a school-based mentoring effort that links caring adult volunteers from the community with students in schools and is open to all students, grades K-12, within participating school districts. All activities take place on school grounds before, during or after school hours. YouthFriends volunteers typically visit a school for one hour each week to do things like have lunch with a student, help with reading or academic tutoring, share an interest or a hobby or simply listen.
Breakfast Buddy
Eat breakfast with a student or a small group of students at the school cafeteria (could be a great activity on your way to work). Be a mentor by assisting your student(s) with a class assignment, discussing a book, or just chatting. This is a time to enjoy eating and fun conversation!
Lunch Buddy
Each lunch in the school cafeteria with an individual student or group of students during their lunch period. During your time together, you may also serve as a mentor by playing a board game, reading a story, playing on the playground or working on a special project. This is a time to build self-confidence and let the student know he/she is important.
Reading Pal
Help students in grades K-7 practice and improve reading skills so they can gain the confidence necessary to be successful readers. Work with students one-to-one or in small group relationships for a minimum of one semester. Classroom teachers or reading specialists usually monitor student progress. Specialized one-hour mandatory supplemental training provided free-of-charge.
Academic Tutor
Choose your favorite subject -- math, reading, writing, science, social studies, computers, music or a foreign language -- and work with a student who needs extra attention in that area. You may choose to mentor your student before, during or after school to help give him/her advice and direction in tasks such as completing everyday assignments or developing a challenging project.
YouthFriends Corps
YouthFriends Corps provides an opportunity for high school students to volunteer with elementary school students in their own school districts. YouthFriends Corps promotes community service among youth in the hope of making volunteerism a lifelong commitment. Note: Many high school students use YouthFriends Corps hours for service hours.
YouthFriends English as a Second Language (ESL) Mentors
YouthFriends ESL Mentors is a special opportunity for volunteers to work one-to-one or with small groups of students in grades K-12 whose native language is one other than English. The goal is to enhance understanding, speaking, reading and writing the new language. Volunteers are not required to speak additional languages to qualify. Specialized one-hour mandatory supplemental training provided free-of-charge.
YouthFriends e-Mentoring
YouthFriends e-Mentoring encourages busy professionals to mentor students by communicating through the Internet. Exchanging weekly e-mails gives students and adults the opportunity to spend time together online.
Special Projects
If we haven't listed an activity that appeals to you, let us know. We will be glad to design something that suits your desire to be a mentor to a young person. You choose the time and day of the week that fits with your busy schedule and we'll select the student or group of students who can most benefit from your experience.
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